Shring experiences and insights about the foster care system…
Bringing Stories to Light: Screening Temporary Placements for International Christian Adoptions
The screening was held at ICA during their all-staff meeting. Many of those present have witnessed firsthand the revolving door of placements for teens in care. The atmosphere was intimate but charged with purpose, as attendees came prepared not only to watch, but to listen, reflect, and respond.
The screening was held at ICA during their all-staff meeting. Many of those present have witnessed firsthand the revolving door of placements for teens in care. The atmosphere was intimate but charged with purpose, as attendees came prepared not only to watch, but to listen, reflect, and respond.
The Heart Behind the Film
Temporary Placements was inspired by my frontline work as an investigative social worker and my academic focus on placement instability among adolescents in foster care. This film weaves together data, personal testimony, and spiritual conviction to bring attention to the urgent needs of this often-overlooked population.
The film is composed of carefully researched statistics on foster youth, real stories of adolescents currently waiting for placement, and powerful success stories of older youth who have found stability and healing through placement in committed foster homes. These elements are interwoven with a biblical influence that underscores Jesus’ call to care for vulnerable populations—a call echoed throughout Scripture and central to the mission of International Christian Adoptions.
Each scene was crafted to evoke empathy and understanding, while prompting viewers to consider how faith communities might play a more intentional role in offering stability, love, and connection to youth in crisis. The result is a film that not only informs but also inspires, challenging viewers to see foster youth not as a system’s responsibility—but as their own.
Community Response and Reflections
Following the screening, we distributed anonymous surveys to gauge participants’ reactions and gather feedback that could inform future outreach efforts. The responses were overwhelmingly affirming and deeply moving.
Some key takeaways from the survey data included:
- Eighty-three percent (83%) of respondents rated the film as ‘Extremely Effective’ in increasing their awareness of the need for foster placements for older youth.
- 100% stated that they felt more compelled to take actionable steps—such as volunteering, becoming a foster parent, or advocating within their church communities.
- Seventy-eight percent (78%) of respondents indicated that the stories of foster youth were the most impactful part of the film.
- Many shared they were moved by the visuals and stories included in the film.
Some comments that stood out read:
“Amazing! Will be praying for you in this work.”
“Great job! It had great information and was impactful! Many stats individuals aren’t aware of.”
“Very impactful! Well done!”
Next Steps
This experience affirmed for me that storytelling—especially visual storytelling—can be a powerful catalyst for change. Temporary Placements is not just a film; it’s a conversation starter, a bridge between systems and communities, and an invitation for the faith-based world to step into the gap.
As I continue partnering with ICA, I am developing a companion brochure for church groups and foster care advocates who wish to host their own screenings and take action. I am also exploring the feasibility of hosting follow-up panels that include youth voices, foster parents, and child welfare professionals.
A Personal Note
To everyone who attended, offered feedback, or reached out afterward—thank you. Your engagement is not only appreciated; it’s essential. Together, we can reimagine what “placement” really means for youth in foster care—and perhaps make “temporary” feel a little more like home.
Temporary Placements 